Lighting and air conditioning device



July 20, 1937. w. A. BROWN LIGHTING AND AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE Filed Feb. 17, 1956 INVENTOR Wm Q 6AM ATTORNEY Patented July 20, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE The object of this invention is to provide a commercially practical means of obtaining directindirect lighting and direct-indirect air circulation in a single inexpensive device for use in 5 homes, oilices, apartments, etc., with said lighting and air circulating means surrounded by a shade and so co-ordinated that flicker is eliminated to such an extent that it can be disregarded.

A further object of this invention is to provide means whereby high capacity light bulbs of 100) watts to 500 watts rating may be operated above a (revolving variable speed propeller and in close proximity thereto, without causing flicker at low speed or glare at any time.

A further object of the invention is to provide adequate means for permitting a continuous positive flow of air past said light bulb to prevent an accumulation of excess heat, and, at the same time, to prevent any of the radiant heat generated by said bulb from reaching and damaging said propeller or the motor that drives it.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compact, shallow open ended ventilated reflectordiiluser enclosing the light bulb, comprising a main diffuser portion with good light transmittingqualities and a co-operating secondary reflector portion with good reflecting qualities, and, in many cases, opaque in character to prevent heat penetration as well. To obtain the best re- 3 suits, the reflector member is preferably mounted in close proximity to said light bulb and. has substantially the same contour of said light bulb.

Another object of this invention is to provide instantly removable suitable means to insure the proper evaporation of definite quantities of water for humidification purposes by utilizing the radiant heat of the high capacity light bulb, enclosed within the reflector-diffuser and mounted above and in close proximity to the propeller and motor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an instantly removable open ended shade surrounding the light bulb, reflector, diffuser, propeller and motor, having an inner surface with high reflecting qualities capable of re-directing the light rays of the bulb, originating in a plane above the propeller, to strike in a plane below the propeller to insure good lighting without flicker,

i and more particularly to prevent black spots when the propeller is at a standstill.

A further object of theinvention is to provide a propeller having overlapping blades, so arranged that light rays can not pass through the central section of said propeller when revolving very slowly, or at a standstill.

A vitally important object of this invention is to provide various parts comprising the general assembly, of such shape, materials and co-ordination that the possibility of noise is reduced to a minimum, without impairing the effectiveness of the air circulating, light producing and hurnidi- 5 lying means employed. The slightest noise in a device of this character, is so intensified by the shade, particularly if it originates in the pro- ,peller, that extraordinary precautions must be taken to minimize it. 10

Since no one will accept or buy anything unconventional or queer in appearance, regardless of its eiiiciency, a very important feature of this invention is to provide a general assembly of such height and diameter as to permit the use of con- 15 ventional size shades, to conceal it, and, to accomplish this, where a substantial volume of air is to be moved requiring the use of a larger propeller, it is preferable to employ a propeller having blades with a flat central portion and an out- 20 board section of a steep pitch, thus permitting the reflector-diffuser to be mounted near the hub of the propeller, and efiecting a substantial saving in height without reducing the volume of air moved or limiting the size of the light bulb, which 25 otherwise would be'impossible to accomplish.

Other novel features of construction and advantage will hereinaiter more clearly appear in the detailed description and the appended claims.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, ll 5) have shown in the accompanying drawing typical embodiments of it, which in practice, will give satisfactory and reliable results. It is,-however, to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be vari- 35 ously arranged and organized, and my invention is not limited to the exact arrangement and organizationnf these instrumentalitiesas herein set torth.

Figure l is a sectional elevation of a lighting up and air conditioning device.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of a propeller employed and a portion of a guard.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the device, showing more particularly the relation of the humidifier to the shade frame, light and guard.

Figure 4. is a top plan view of a portion of the device showing more particularly the deflector and diffuser. 5d

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a conventional socket for a two filament light bulb.

Similar numerals indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawing:

l designates a motor, which is pivotally mount=- ed on a support 2, and held in any desired position by means of the tightening devices 3 and the yoke 85. The special propeller 4 is enclosed within the. wire guard 5 and mounted on the shaft 38 of the motor I. The casting or stamping 6, to which the wire guard 5 is attached by any suitable means, has two opposed ears I to which the motor I is rigidly mounted by means of the studs and fastening devices 31, said casting being provided with a round central opening to receive the top of the motor I. 8 designates an insulated knob mounted on the shaft of a special variable speed rheostat, concealed within the junction box section 29 of the casting 6, and is used to control the speed of the motor 5. 9 is the lever of a switch, also concealed within the junction box 29, which is used to control the porcelain socket ID that is held in permanent position on the wire guard 5 by means of the tube H, the nozzles l2, the drilled steel flat piece G2, the fastening devices H, which hold the fiat piece i3 permanently in position on the main supporting member l5 and which is welded to the wire guard 5.

The main supporting member l5 has the cone shaped open ended light transmitting diffuser 16, which is preferably of glass, rigidly attached to it by means of the metal members it, which are held in pennanent position on the support it by means of the fastening devices IS. The re ilector i 9, which may be of metal or a very dense glass but which is preferably'of electrolytically brightened aluminum because of its permanent high reflecting qualities, is attached to the sul port is by means of the fastening devices Eli. The stamped or cast metal member 35, which. is designed to hold at least one pint of water to be evaporated by the radiant heat of the light bulb 22, has the narrow, inwardly projecting channel members 23 so arranged as to be in close proxirn= ity to the light bulb M to insure rapid eva cra tion of the water, and rests on the wire guard it by means of the ears 2 1, so that it stantly removed when not in use, such as .ll hot or warm weather when very rapid air movement is desired and humidification is unnecessary, as is the case in cold weather when artificial heat destroys the moisture in the air and a slight irnpedance in the free air circulated, which might be caused by the evaporating member 35, will not be noticed, especially since the motor is usually run at low speed in cold weather. The inwardly projecting channel members 23 are preferably made of electrolytically brightened aluminum in order to minimize the possibility of reducing the eifectiveness of the light bulb 2!. This is especially true where more than three such channel members 23 are employed.

25 designates the regular punched washer used to receive a finial or decorative piece, which has a three way support 36 that rests on the top ring of the wire guard 5 to allow instant removal of the shade 26, which encloses the entire assem bly and which preferably has high reflecting qualities on its inner surface 2?, if the entire assembly is to be inverted around its pivotal sup port. 28 designates the main lead that enters a hollow channel that runs around top of the motor I to emerge in the junction box section 29 of the casting 6, where all the wires from the various parts are concealed and properly connected. The wire guard 5 is made in two sections and held together by the fastening devices 30, as, it is evident that the lower section, with its spaced wire rings 3| must be first attached to the casting 5 before the propeller 4 can be positioned on the shaft of the motor I.

32 designates a round hole in the light transmitting diffuser [6 to permit easy insertion and removal of the light bulb 2| into or out of the socket I0. In some instances, this opening 32 may be in the form of a slot.

Because of difficulty in preventing flicker in a device of this character, especially with the propeller 4 revolving at slow speed, it is desirable in some cases to employ a special type of propeller having an opaque center 33, andblades 34, overlapping sufiiciently to prevent any light from passing through the central portion of the propeller. Inthe event of the use of translucent glass for the reflector l9, or in the event said reflector is opaque and reduced in diameter, there is a tendency for a greater light to be transmitted directly down on the user. Some of this light will pass through the outer portion of the propeller where the blades do not overlap. Light rays passing through the member I6 in the directions indicated by arrows 39 in Figure 1, are redirected as shown when the shade 26 has an inner surface 21 of high reflecting qualities and compensate for other light rays passing through the outboard portion of the propeller and thus practically eliminate flicker. I

It will be seen from Figure 2 that the four blades 34 of the preferred type of propeller l used, overlap each other sufiiciently at the center to prevent the passage of light from the light bulb 2i, and, in combination with the solid central section 33, is thoroughly lightproof except at the outboard section where it is practically fliclzerless at any speed, regardless of the intensity of the light bulb 2!, when operated in combination with the reflector l9 and the diffuser M5 and the reflecting surface 27.

Figure 3 clearly shows the relation of the inwardly projecting members 23 of the fluid holding device 35 to the light bulb 2|. it will. be seen that the intense radiant heat, generated by the light bulb M, is bound to cause evaporation of the liquid. The vapor so produced is circulated and i e-circulated by the propeller 4, and adequate humidification is possible in artificially heated rooms where dryness may be a problem.

Figure 4 shows the comparative size and relation of the bottom opening of the diffuser Hi to the reflector I9. The preferred method of rigidly holding the reflector 18 and the diifuser [6 to the main support l5 and in relation to each other will be clearly understood. As already stated, in many instances the circular opening 3'2 in the diffuser l6 may be replaced by a slot extending from the top of the diffuser to a position similar to the bottom of the circular opening 32 shown.

It is apparent that the tube H, the nozzles t2, the drilled steel fiat piece l3 and the socket I in may be mounted on the main support 15, di-

rectly opposite to the position shown in Figure l, in the event it is found desirable to use certain high capacity light bulbs which can not be operated with the screw base above the filament, such as would happen if the superstructure was raised or inverted on the pivotal support 3 for spot lighting or infra-red treatments. This alternate position is clearly indicated in Figure 5, wherein a special three way socket 86 for use with the modern two filament three light bulbs is shown, as well as the required triple lead wires ill, 86 and 89. It is to be understood, however, that it is within the scope of this invention to use any type of bulb or socket desired in either position referred to.

It is obvious that a two filament high capacity light bulb, which is designed to provide three 5 distinct intensities of light, operating in conjunction with the herein described humidifier 35, will increase the difierent degrees of heat that may be applied to said humidifier 35 to control the amount of evaporation required.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

- 1. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at 9 the inlet end of said light transmitting member,

and a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities.

25 2. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air cir 30 culation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting member, a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having 35 its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities, and a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity to the light bulb.

3. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting 40 member into which: said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the 45 inlet end of said light transmitting member, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion to prevent flicker of the light, and a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting mem- 60 her and motor driven propeller and having its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities.

4. A device as herein setforth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector 55 for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation-past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting member, said 0 propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion to prevent flicker of the light, a shade sur- 1 rounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner 55 face provided with light reflecting qualities, and a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity to the light bulb.

5. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting 70 member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the'light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting ,member and having its blades projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a space within which the light transmitting member is so disposed as to prevent any impedance of the air circulation and whereby a substantial reduction in overall heighth is achieved, and a shade surrounding said bulb,

.light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities.

6. A device as herein set forth comprising a 10 light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light 15 bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting member and having its blades projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a space within which the light transmitting member is so disposed as to prevent any impedance of the air circulation and wherebya substantial reduction in overall heighth is achieved, a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities, and a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity to the light bulb.

'7. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb and spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting member, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion and its tipped portions projecting upwardly, and 'a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner 40 face provided with light reflecting qualities.

8. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended light transmitting member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb and spaced from the light transmitting member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said light transmitting member, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion and its tipped portions projecting upwardly, a shade surrounding said bulb, light transmitting member and motor driven propeller and having its inner face provided with light reflecting qualities, and a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity to the light bulb. I

9. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from' said member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said open ended member, and a shade surrounding said bulb, open ended member and motor driven propeller.

10. A device as hereiii set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from said member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said open ended member, a shade surrounding said bulb, open ended member and motor driven propeller, and a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity with the light bulb.

11. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended member into which said bulb extends, a reflector. for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from said member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said open ended member, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion to prevent flicker of the light, and a shade surrounding said bulb, open ended member and motor driven propeller.

12. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended member into which said bulb extends, a reflector for said bulb, said reflector being spaced from said member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted at the inlet end of said open ended member and having its blades projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a space within which the open ended member is so disposed as to prevent any impedance of the air circulation and whereby a substantial reduction in overall heighth is achieved, and a shade surrounding said bulb, open ended member and motor driven propeller.

13. A device as herein set forth, comprising a light bulb, an open ended member into which said bulb extends, a reflector of said bulb and spaced from said member to permit air circulation past said reflector and around the light bulb, a motor driven propeller mounted atthe inlet end of said open ended member, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other near their central portion and its tipped portions projecting upwardly, and a shade surrounding said bulb, open ended member and motor driven propeller.

14. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflector-diffuser between said propeller and source of light, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of light and light transmitting reflector-diffuser.

15. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflector-diffuser between said propeller and source of light, a quick detachable humidifier mounted in close proximity to said source of light, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of light, light transmitting reflector-diffuser and humidifier.

16. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflectordiifuser between said propeller and source of light, said propeller having its blades projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a central space within which said reflector-diffuser may be disposed, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of. light and light transmitting reflector-diffuser.

17. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflector-diffuser between said propeller and source of light, said propeller having its blades projecting upwardly in such a manner' as to form a central space within which said reflector-diffuser may be disposed, a humidifier mounted in close proximity to said source of light, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of light, light transmitting reflector-difiuser and humidifier.

18. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflectordiffuser between said propeller and source of light, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other, with their outboard portions projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a central space within which said reflector-diffuser may be disposed, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of light, and light transmitting reflector-diffuser.

19. A device as herein set forth, comprising a motor driven propeller, a source of light in front of said propeller, a light transmitting reflectordifiuser between said propeller and source of light, said propeller having its blades overlapping and spaced from each other, with their outboard portions projecting upwardly in such a manner as to form a central space within which said reflector-diffuser may be disposed, a humidifler mounted in close proximity to said source of light, and a shade surrounding said propeller, source of light, light transmitting reflector-diffuser and humidifier.

WILLIAM A. BROWN. 

